Rich in road rage over roundabout

10 July 2003 - RESIDENTS in one of Melbourne's most exclusive streets are in a spin over planned road roundabouts.

Some wealthy homeowners fear more roundabouts in St Georges Rd, Toorak, would devalue their multi-million-dollar mansions. Homes on the leafy boulevard are worth an average $1.5 million, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

Other residents claim the speed-lowering devices would increase noise levels and could cause more accidents.

Toorak residents have been locked in a two-year battle over four roundabouts Stonnington Council has planned for the 1.5km street.

After lobbying by residents, the council has agreed to build just two.

But residents campaigning for the roundabouts have accused the council of pandering to a minority of homeowners.

Resident Marion Winstone said only six or seven people opposed the roundabouts.

"Those people who are against them were the ones closest to those being installed," she said.

In a letter to council, one resident claimed there was a stigma attached to properties at roundabouts.